Course Catalog

Quarter 1 Summer

RAD 100: Radiographic Procedures I

This course is designed to provide the first year student with a working knowledge of routine radiographic positioning for visualization of the chest, abdomen, and bones of the upper and lower extremities (excluding the shoulder and pelvic girdle). Terminology, accessory devices, equipment used in radiographic procedures, and the application of protective devices will be discussed. To develop the student’s critical thinking skills, radiographic phantoms will be used to demonstrate the principles of exposure. The group process will be used to demonstrate and practice radiographic positioning, critique radiographs, and learn good departmental principles and practice. 

RAD 101: Radiographic Physics

This course presents the first-year student with the principles of physics relevant to the production of x-rays. The course includes the following subject areas: fundamental physics concepts, mass-energy relationship, atomic structure, electromagnetic radiation, magnetism and devices, electricity and devices, design of x-ray producing devices, primary control factors, and the fundamental principles of radiation protection.

RAD 102: Introduction to Medical Imaging

This course is designed to provide first year students with an overview of the diagnostic imaging profession and those factors which impact the technologist in his/her ability to produce imaging media of the highest quality. Discussion will include: allied health education, the roles and expectations of all members of the health care team, ethical behavior, medical-legal obligations, liabilities, interpersonal communication, inter and intra personal behavior, basic radiation safety principles, hospital departmental organizational, licensure, labor unions, Diversity, Age Specific Competency, political and social change within the health care environment, standard precautions, disease control and transmission and general preparation for entry into the clinical environment.

RAD 104: Clinical Education I

This course presents the first-year student with an introduction to the clinical environment (to be carried out in an assigned clinical site). Emphasis is placed on patient care and positioning in addition to conducting an orientation to the hospital and radiology department, patient registration, appointment scheduling, medical records, darkroom/film processing area, quality assurance, equipment, department safety, radiographic procedures and ancillary imaging areas.

Quarter 2 Fall

RAD 200: Radiographic Procedures II

This course is designed to provide the first year student with a working knowledge of routine radiographic positioning for visualization of the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and axial skeleton excluding the skull.  Terminology, accessory devices, equipment used in radiographic procedures, and the application of protective devices will be discussed. To develop the student’s critical thinking skills, radiographic phantoms may be used to demonstrate the principles of exposure. The group process will be used to demonstrate and practice radiographic positioning, critique radiographs, and learn good departmental principles and practice. 

RAD 201: Image Production I

This course is designed to introduce the first year student to the clinical applications of imaging systems to include grid characteristics, radiographic film, intensifying screens, and the principles of image processing. Students will be introduced to the characteristics of x-rays, x-ray production, x-ray emission and interaction with matter. Scatter radiation, its effects on the finished radiograph, and methods of controlling scatter radiation are discussed. Primary controlling factors will be presented in the context of their influence on x-ray beam characteristics and minimizing patient dose.

RAD 202: Patient Care Procedures

This course builds on materials introduced in the introductory course, especially information dealing with patient care, aseptic technique and disease transmission. With respect to disease transmission and epidemiological field approach for evaluation is used. Information about risk factors are introduced, and finally contrast media, medications, vital signs and emergency care of patients is discussed.

RAD 203: Clinical Education II

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 3 Winter

RAD 300: Radiographic Procedures III

This course is designed to provide the first year student with a working knowledge of routine radiographic positioning for visualization of the cranium, and facial bones.  Terminology, accessory devices, equipment used in radiographic procedures, and the application of protective devices will be discussed. To develop the student’s critical thinking skills, radiographic phantoms will be used to demonstrate the principles of exposure. The group process will be used to demonstrate and practice radiographic positioning, critique radiographs, and learn good departmental principles and practice. 

RAD 301: Image Production II

This course is designed to provide first year students with a working knowledge of factors that govern and influence the production of radiographic images. Laboratory materials are utilized to demonstrate the clinical applications of theoretical principles and concepts.

RAD 103: Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology is the study of the language of medicine. All those who practice in the medical field need a common language and knowledge base in order to communicate effectively.

RAD 303: Clinical Education III

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 4 Spring

RAD 400: Radiographic Procedures IV

This course is designed to provide first year students with a working knowledge of routine radiographic positioning for visualization of the digestive and urinary system.  Positioning of the critical patient and the pediatric for various procedures is addressed. The group process will be used to demonstrate and practice radiographic positioning, critique radiographs and to learn good departmental principles and practice.

RAD 401: Image Evaluation and Quality Control

This course is designed to discuss the process of image analysis and quality control. Students will develop and apply the critical thinking process to the art of image critique. The following imaging standards will be discussed: interpretation of clinical data, identification of the examination to be performed, rationale for the radiographic examination, accurate patient identification, positioning of the part according to established protocols, radiation protection, and factors affecting radiographic quality. Medical-legal considerations for the radiographer are also discussed. Practical case studies and critical reviews are conducted in the classroom setting with clinical correlation.

RAD 403: Clinical Education IV

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 5 Summer

RAD 302: Computer Applications in Medical Imaging

This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles of computer technology and management information systems. This course will present a broad framework for understanding the technical aspects of computers which would lay the foundation needed to use them in the radiology department. There will be emphasis on how computers are used in imaging as well as non-imaging areas in a health care facility. The course will also create an awareness of the future of computers in radiology through an identification of the ideas of artificial intelligence.

RAD 501: Sectional Anatomy

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the various anatomic structures and their locations, as demonstrated by sectional imaging techniques. This course will utilize sonography, CT and MRI images to cover the following areas: thorax, abdomen, pelvis and brain. Images obtained from clinical practices at Kaiser Medical Centers will be used to enhance the student’s learning process.

RAD 503: Clinical Education V

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 6 Fall

RAD 600: Applied Pathology for Radiographers

This course is designed to provide second-year students with an understanding of the systematic classification of disease. Signs and symptoms of common diseases, radiographic examination and treatment of diseases will be discussed. Special imaging modalities will be presented in their application of the diagnosis of disease. Image evaluation and technique will be applied with critical thinking skills.

RAD 502: Advanced Imaging Procedures

This course introduces the student to procedures and special modalities used Radiology to achieve diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic results. The specific procedures include both invasive and non-invasive methods. The primary goal of the course is to present to the student an overview of the most common procedures preformed in Radiology. Focus is on the direct role of the technologist as an integral part of a health care team.

RAD 603: Clinical Education VI

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 7 Winter

RAD 402: Radiation Biology and Protection

This is and introductory course which introduces the first year student to the fundamentals of radiobiology and the effects of radiation on living tissue. This course evaluates the effects of radiation from the cellular level to its epidemiological effects, along with basic principles of radiation protection. Specific topics include, cellular biology, early and late effects or radiation, case studies, risk assessment, safety handling and containment of naturally occurring sources and state and federal regulations.

RAD 700: Applied Radiographic Topics

This course provides the student the opportunity to conduct and deliver research on recent technological advances in diagnostic radiology. Students are expected to conduct conventional literature reviews and utilize the World Wide Web as an adjunct source of information. The research topics to be investigated are selected by the instructor and are assigned to groups of students. For the benefit of peers, the student groups deliver classroom oral/media presentations on their respective topics. The course also provides the student with an opportunity to investigate how s/he contributes to the output of a task group and how individual partners uniquely participate.

RAD 702: Clinical Education VII

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 8 Spring

RAD 701: Professional Development

This course presents the second-year student with a discussion and analysis of relevant topics in imaging sciences. Advanced imaging modalities, applied critical thinking to case studies in medical ethics, and new developments in the field are topics of discussion. The importance of continuing education and professional development to the future of medical imaging is discussed.

RAD 602: Fluoroscopy and Quality Assurance

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the concepts of quality management practices as they related to diagnostic radiology. The benefits and the elements of a quality management program are reviewed and explored. Regulatory requirements are examined. In recognition of the fact that monitoring and maintenance of medical imaging equipment requires specialized training, this course does not attempt to teach these disciplines, but rather uses the Fluoroscopy unit as a tool to demonstrate those routine services and evaluations which should be performed by a trained service person or physicist.

RAD 801: Clinical Education VIII

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 9 Summer

RAD 800: Program Review

This course is designed to promote competence in critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the second-year radiography student. The student will be given various scenarios and situations typically encountered in the clinical environment; s/he will apply skills learned in the first seven program-sections to solve these problems. Discus and analyze relevant topics to the radiologic sciences that include: trauma radiography, pediatric radiography, projection and technique manipulation due to disease process, equipment safety, and equipment failure.

RAD 901: Clinical Education IX

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical-imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.